Applications of Cellulose Derivatives in the Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic and Personal Care Industries
Cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), hydroxypropyl cellulose, and methylcellulose are being widely used to produce films due to their suitable properties. Moreover, cellulose derivative has strong shape-preserving capacity and high viscosity, which makes it an ideal choice for the food and beverage industry. Film formation, binding, water retention, thickening, and high lubricity are some of the characteristics of cellulose derivatives. This has led to increase in consumption of cellulose derivatives in personal care, paper, construction, and mining industries. Cellulose derivatives are also used in mucoadhesive and bio-adhesive drug delivery systems in the pharmaceuticals industry. In the pharmaceuticals industry, cellulose derivatives are used in compressibility enhancers, enteric coated solid dosage forms, osmotic drug delivery systems, extended release formulations, and numerous other applications. Since cellulose is a bio-based pr...